Scenes From A Rock Concert: Greg Kihn

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance."

-Bern Williams

Last night we went to the opening night of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's," Concert On The Beach" series. Greg Kihn kicked off the summer long event, and what a great beginning it was! He is a fabulous showman and quite personable with the audience. :) It was especially nice in Santa Cruz yesterday, with temperatures 30 degrees cooler then they have been for the last week or so. It was so comfortable that everyone was pretty much in the mood for the beach...and a lot of fun. Tons of beach balls flew across the audience, and lots of dancing right under the stage. ;)

And lets not forget the tunes...

Jeopardy, By Greg Kihn

Where were you, when I needed you

Well you could not be found

What can I do, Oh I believed in you

You're running me around

Well you can take it, as a warning

Or take it anyway you like

It's lightning, not the thunder

You never know where it will strike

Our love's in jeopardy...baby

Ooooh-ooh-oooooh

Our love's in jeopardy...baby

Ooooh-ooh-oooooh

Don't be cute, don't be funny now

It's later then you think

Oh, what's the use

Save your money now

It's hanging on the brink

Don't let go, while I'm hanging on

'Cause I been hanging on so long

It's so hard to be all alone

I know you're not that strong

Yeah, yeah...

Our love's in jeopardy, baby

Ooooh-ooh-oooooh

I love that lyric...

"Don't let go, while I'm hanging on

'Cause I been hanging on so long

It's so hard to be all alone

I know you're not that strong."

:) I love music, I love my camera, I love the beach...and oh how I love the month of June! :)

"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to the loneliness."

-Maya Angelou

-OndineMonet

"Scenes From A Concert"

Santa Cruz, California

June 23, 2006

Evening

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #117: Chores You Hate

"My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint."

-Erma Bombeck

Weekend Assignment #117: We all have to do chores around the house. Which chore do you like to do the least?

Extra Credit: Do you recycle?

-John Scalzi

It's been so HOT here in the Bay Area the last few days, in fact, we have broken a few records here and there. Here in in Alameda County, where I live, we were issued a severe weather advisory because of the unusually high temperatures. When it is like this, I have NO desire to do anything, let alone do household chores. And I get a bit grouchy too. But life goes on and so does what needs to be done. So, I chose cleaning the cat box as my least favorite chore to do, particularly on a hot summer's day. I could go into detail about why, but I am fairly sure you already know what's involved. LOL. Instead I wrote a pleasant Haiku that is both informative and enjoyable. :)

Cat Box Memories (Haiku)
By Carly Gordon

Scooping soiled sand
My cat Elvis has chores too
His box is now clean

Tee Hee! ;) Extra Credit: Yes, I certainly do. Elvis makes me. Ever since he was a small kitten he has insisted that it is only 4 plastic bottles per bag, no matter how big or small the bag is. If there are more then 4 bottles in the bag, he will remove the extras and stack them in neat groups of 4 next to the recycle bag. We have watched, in amazement, as he does this. It seems to be his pet peeve or something. LOL.

-OndineMonet

Boxers or Briefs?

"Life is like a B movie: It's stupid, it's strange, it's a directionless story, the dialogue is lame, but in the 'he said, she said' sometimes there's some poetry, if you turn your back long enough and let it happen naturally."

-Ani Difranco

I think I have shared here on Ellipsis that I love old movies, especially the classic, black/white comedies. There is nothing like that humor, it is certainly difficult to find movies today, that can carry off the simplicity of those wonderful old films. It totally makes my day to relax in front of a good black & white comedy, or maybe sometimes, something kind of spooky depending on my mood. So, it wouldn't be a big surprise to learn that while I was up in the wee hours of the morning, the other day, working on my blog and making some forward progress on my book, I was also tuned into Turner Classic Movies watching one of my very favorite of the old movie comedies,"Abbott And Costello Meet The Invisible Man."

The popcorn was popped, and I was sitting back enjoying the very best of all worlds. A slightly spooky movie, that also contained some wonderful humor. What more could a movie buff ask for? :) I was in classic film bliss. About a third of the way through the movie however, something occurred to me. It was a curious thought to be sure. I wasn't even sure why I had noticed it this time,as opposed to the dozen or more times before that I had seen this film, but there it was, plain as the nose on one's face. Was it a censor thing? Was it an oversight on the part of the screenwriter? I wasn't quite sure, all I really knew was that I had found a new element within that film to laugh about, and a whole new layer to consider. See, I all of a sudden realized that the Invisible Man, that Abbott and Costello met, walked around commando.

Now by commando, I don't mean he walked around with large, intimidating weaponry in his hands, no I mean he didn't wear any underwear underneath his finely tailored slacks. Now in all fairness, he was being pursued by the police after being falsely accused of a murder he didn't commit. So he did have a lot more on his mind then remembering to put on his, Hanes or Fruit of the Looms. After all, Madison Avenue didn't have catchy little advertising jingles for undies back then like, "You Can't Over Love Your Underwear." If they had, he probably would have put some thought into what he wore underneath it all. Especially since after he swallowed the potion that made him invisible, he was going to be undressing in front of private eye, Lou Francis, played by, Lou Costello.

It is quite the mystery don't you think? What do you suppose a well dressed man, such as the invisible man, would have worn back then? Do you think he was a briefs man or a boxers kinda guy? Or did he in fact go around commando? I know there are more important questions in the grand scheme of things, but I am kinda curious about this one, because it presents an interesting question about censorship, and what may or may not have been considered acceptable in 1951.

If in fact it did have to do with censorship, and there was some rule about what articles of clothing were deemed unreasonable for removal back then, why stop with the undies? Why not simply have the invisible man step behind a curtain or maybe a screen? Wouldn't watching the invisible man's silhouette slowly disappear behind a screen be kind of eerie to watch? Maybe, maybe not. Still, I wish I knew the answer either way. I know one thing for sure...I will probably never think of the invisible man the same way again. Isn't that great, to be able to find something new, and of interest from a fine old film that was already wonderful...just the way it was? :)

During the deluge of boring summer repeats and silly reality programs, try something different, try picking out a fine old film, and enjoy it for all the reasons that make classic films CLASSIC! And don't forget to tell me what you think. What do you say...Boxers or Briefs?

Turner Classic Movie Schedule June 2006

-OndineMonet

I Think Micky Found Out!

"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music."

-Victor Hugo

One of the brightest moments last year, happened on a hot night in August, when Micky Dolenz took the stage at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to perform a free concert on the beach. It was a lifelong dream to finally see my favorite Monkee, and one of the great loves of my life, in person. If I said it once, I probably said it a 1,000 times..."I'm A Believer!" Just ask Karen! LOL. It felt so good to just sit back and enjoy the crowd, and the music, and the man himself. My heart was so full last summer, I was sad, and frightened, and not feeling too well, because I hadn't been properly diagnosed yet, but when he came out on the stage... all that faded away, and all I felt was...well...alive, and in the moment.

I think he may have found out about all those gushing entries I wrote on the AOL version of Ellipsis, because he isn't doing the concert series on the beach this year, RATS! LOL. That's ok, in his place will be a number of terrific singers and bands, and I have already decided to go to a beach concert at least once a month, beginning this Friday, when Greg Kihn will open the 2006 summer series. :) I will miss Micky Dolenz, he did lift the curse of Santa Cruz after all, but I have always been a big fan of Greg Kihn, so I think it will be a lot of fun. Not to mention a great photo op. :)

According to InfoPlease.com, the 2006 Summer Solstice begins today, June 21, at 8:26 A.M. EDT. And I am really glad it is officially here, because I really need to have a little fun right now. My heart has been so full lately. Yesterday, I finally allowed myself a good long sob. I cried till I couldn't cry anymore. Sometimes, when I least expect it, I find myself missing Pamela. She was a neat lady, and a good friend. I read on her blog today an entry that had been written by her daughter, who is now dealing with the practical matters that come up when you lose someone. I sure know about those details. :( I started to leave her a comment of support...but I...couldn't find the words. :( I felt like a coward in that moment, because I couldn't think of even the simplest of messages. I will go back sometime in the next few days and leave her a comment...I just can't stop thinking about having spoken to Pam on the phone just about a year ago, just after she had been diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Sigh. I miss my friend.

There are a couple other hurts, some little, some a little bigger, but I am ok...just a little tired, so it's time to go and get away from all the pain. Political stuff that both hurts me, and makes me crazy, missing my friends, and so on. I don't like to spend too much time dwelling on the hurts and slights in life. It's been my experience that after a while it becomes a way of life. I won't stand for that anymore. Depression has had it's season in my life. Enough is Enough. So, this Friday night, if you happen to hear a strange screeching sound, riding on the night breeze, don't worry, it will just be me, singing and dancing on the beach in Santa Cruz! LOL. Like Greg Kihn says... "They Don't Write Um Like That Anymore." :)

So tell me, what officially marks the beginning of summer for you? Do you have a favorite summer activity that you never miss? Share with me, in this comment thread, your favorite summertime activity!

-OndineMonet
"Hey Micky"
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, California
August, 2005
Early Evening

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Still Life

"We have lost the art of living, and in the most important science of all,the science of daily life, the science of behavior, we are complete ignoramuses. We have psychology instead."

-D.H. Lawrence

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Take a snap of something in a "still life" mode. It doesn't have to be a bowl of fruit, mind you (although there's nothing wrong with a bowl of fruit, if that's your thing). But something that you can get contemplative about would be nice. Also, it doesn't move, unless you go and pick it up.

-John Scalzi

Do you think the above quote by D. H. Lawrence might be true? Have we forgotten the lost art of living. Do we mortals take enough time to just indulge ourselves? Have we forgot the simplest of pleasures?

When I saw the topic of this week's Monday Photo Shoot, I really thought about the term, "Still Life." A still life image begins with the artist choosing a subject that has some meaning to them. Then the artist brings into focus not just the image, but what it means to them personally. It didn't take me long to decide what to photograph, I chose my favorite treat when I need to give myself a break from the world. Chocolate covered strawberries.

I have always believed that when you have a meal, it should be presented with some elegance. So, I made the strawberries, placed them on my favorite French platter and placed a vase with some gorgeous silk roses right next to them. I ate them in my backyard today, while a breeze coming up from the bay, made life feel cool and ticklish, and the Ethereal Musician put soft tunes in my imagination. Today he was playing, "I Try" by Macy Gray. I am really beginning to appreciate life in summer. I know, technically it is still spring, but if today was a taste of what is to come...then it will be sweet, smooth and oh so decadent. :)

-OndineMonet
"Still Life With Chocolate"
Berkeley, California
June 18, 2006
Afternoon

A Continuation Of Fate

"Dream as if you will live forever...live as if you will die today."

-James Dean

Early last week I wrote an entry about fate, and being at the right place at the right time to receive the messages that life holds for you. Well, today I was at an old familiar place, again in my car, just outside Berkeley, when I saw the continuation of a message that is clearly meant for someone to see...but who? Is it for the world to see and consider? At first I thought that might be the case. Like is was a cosmic shout, for we mortals to remember that life is too damn short to give up our dreams so easily. But with this new message, I'm not so sure.

"Fine, live in despair." Sigh. I found myself saying those very words this past week to someone I love a lot. He is brilliant and he doesn't know it because life has beaten him down once too often. I , as his friend, have to choose between standing by and watching him implode or let go and let him choose his own path. No, actually he has that right. He says he can't change...sigh... so who am I to insist he can? We once went 4 months without contact, and then one day, there he was sitting in my inbox. He knew that I never let go completely. Once you are my friend, you own a piece of my soul that I never try to take back. That's just me. So, I suppose while I have decided once again to let things be...someday he will turn up in my inbox and I will of course open the window and say, "hello old friend." I am such a schmuck. Sigh. But for today, it really felt like a message for me, saying I did the right thing, once again. On the other hand...maybe it was just graffiti art.

Click here to read my original entry and see the other two messages.

Tell me, do you think the messages are meant for the world? One specific person?

Aimee Mann played a concert today in Golden Gate Park, I always loved this song by her.

That's Just What You Are
By Aimee Mann

In our endeavor we are never seeing eye to eye
No guts to serve us so forever may we wave goodbye
And you're always telling me that it's my turn to move
When I wonder what could make the needle jump the groove
I won't fall for the oldest trick in the book
So don't sit there and think that you're off the hook
By saying there's no use changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth did I offend your ears
By suggesting that a change might be a thing to try
Like it would kill you just to try and be a nicer guy
It's not like you would lose some critical piece
If somehow you moved point A to point B
Maintaining there is no point changing 'cause

That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Now I could talk to you till I'm blue in the face
But we still would arrive at the very same place
With you running around and me out of the race

So maybe you're right, nobody can take
Something older then time and hope you could make
It better that would be a mistake
So take it just so far, 'cause that's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth did I offend your ears
You're like a sleepwalking man, it's a danger to wake you
Even when it is apparent where your actions will take you

But that's just what you are.

-OndineMonet
"Another Day On The Wall"
Berkeley, California
June 18, 2006
Afternoon

Flower Power...A Round Robin Promotion

"When you have only two pennies in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other."

-Chinese proverb

I am looking forward to our next Round Robin Challenge, Renee has chosen, "Flower Power" as the theme this time around, and I have been considering the possibilities ever since I found that out. I became especially inspired by the exotic flowers I saw at the Conservatory of Flowers last week. There were so many different flowers, it was difficult to take it all in. Although, creature of habit that I am, I was of course drawn to the Aquatic exhibit, specifically to see the water lilies. So lovely. This is only one of the water lily photos I took, so I will be sharing some more soon. When you have "Monet" as any part of your screen name, it's a sure bet that water lilies would be one of your favorite flowers. So beautiful.

Water Lilies

By Sara Teasdale

If you had forgotten water lilies floating
On a dark, lake among mountains in the afternoon shade
If you have forgotten their wet, sleepy fragrance
Then you can return and not be afraid.

If you want to join us for this Round Robin, don't be shy...we would love to have you come along. All you have to do is visit the official Round Robin blog and read the entry for "Flower Power," follow the directions, and you are good to go! If you haven't played before, simply read the ***Welcome Entry & Rules Of Play*** and the entry titled, "We Interrupt This Program" then leave us your RSVP. It sounds more difficult then it is. :) Come on and join us...you know you want to! :)

-OndineMonet
"Water Lilies 4"
Conservatory Of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
June 15, 2006
Afternoon

Come Saturday Morning

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a catapillar."

-Unknown

I made plans this last week to head down to Pacific Grove, to drive along the gorgeous 17 mile drive, relax, take some photos and see some public art, but by the time Thursday came around, I simply didn't have enough energy for the long drive. The weather fluctuated too much last week. Monday I was wearing a big comfy sweater, by yesterday, I was wearing summer clothes. My body didn't know what to think. Oh well, like I said in an entry earlier this week, sometimes the "Plan B" days can be just as wonderful adventure as well. My "Plan B" turned out to be a trip across the bay to the Conservatory of Flowers, to see the Butterfly Exhibit.

The Special Exhibits hall of the conservatory was filled with many different varieties of plants and butterflies, and will be through October. They rotate new types every four weeks or so. Right now they have Monarchs, Gulf Fritillary, Julia, White Peacock, Buckeye, Zebra Longwing, Little Wood Satyr. It was magical to walk into the room, and see them floating along, paying no attention to me and my wonder. In fact, I had something really fun happen. As I was walking into the exhibit, just as a young man and his little girl, I think she was about 2 or so, were coming out, and with them came a large Monarch. The butterfly had escaped!

Yikes! The Monarch fluttered around the little girls head, then floated over to me and sat down on my shoulder, from there it moved down to the back of my hand, where she stayed as I gently returned her back to her home. It was a strange feeling to have the butterfly sit on my hand, and it was an even stranger sensation when she licked the back of my hand. LOL I guess she thought my jasmine perfumed smelled good. :) That made me smile. She, Miss Monarch, was enjoying my company as much as I was enjoying hers. The two butterflies, in the above picture, sat together the entire time I was there, looking out of the conservatory window as if longing to be fluttering together in the fresh air. It made me a little sad, but it also made me smile to imagine them as the best of friends.

Admission into the conservatory is only $5.00, and that includes the special exhibit. I am going to be going back to photograph as many of the butterfly varieties as possible. I highly recommend it. Be sure to dress cool and comfy, it is very humid inside the conservatory, but there are a lot of benches to rest on. It is a lot of fun...don't miss it!

The Ethereal Musician was playing today...I have been listening to him playing his tunes for over five years now. He is my invisible friend, somewhere up here in the hills, who plays his music like a whisper to the wind. I still can't figure out where the music is coming from. That's ok, I'm glad that he is still one of my life's favorite mysteries. He is my invisable friend who comes by once in a while, to bring a little magic to my afternoon. The song he chose for today, was "Come Saturday Morning," by Dory Previn and Fred Carlin. So beautiful and so haunting. I will probably be humming it all weekend. Now I am sharing it with you. Enjoy! :)

Come Saturday Morning
By Dory Previn & Fred Carlin

Come Saturday morning
I'm goin' away with my friends
We'll Saturday-spend till the end of the day
And then we'll move on
But we will remember, long after Saturday's gone

Come Saturday morning
I'm goin' away with my friend
We'll Saturday-laugh more then half of the day
Just I and my friend
Dressed up in our rings and our Saturday things
And then we'll move on
But we will remember long after Saturday's gone

Come Saturday morning

Just I an my friend
We'll travel for miles in our Saturday smiles
And then we'll move on
But we will remember long after Saturday's gone

Come Saturday Morning

-OndineMonet
"Best Friends"
(L) Gulf Fritillary (R) Buckeye
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
June 15, 2006
Afternoon

Elvis & I Guest Host : Steven's Feline Friday

"Cats are magical...the more you pet them, the longer you both live."

-Unknown

This week, while our good friends, Steven and Pickle take a little time off, Elvis and I will be hosting the best cat meme on the Internet, "Steven's Feline Friday." Cats rule! So, each Friday has been reserved just for them by Steven. I always liked that idea...cats should definitely have their own day!

This is my entry for this week. I took it just this morning, while giving Elvis a good grooming. He wasn't feeling very good because of the warm day we are having. Like his mommy, Elvis doesn't take the summer months as well as the rest of the year. So, he and I do things together to make it a bit easier to take. Today, we might just go swimming or maybe better still, would be to play with the sprinkler in the yard. One of his favorite activities is to sit really close to it, and let the water sprinkle down on him. It's cooling, and then he doesn't have to fuss with putting on his water wings for the pool. The only thing he needs for the sprinkler fun is his shaded goggles. I sure do love this cat. :) If you it's true that both Elvis and I will live longer just by my petting him...then I kinda think we will live forever, because I can't help but pet him. He's my little boy.

I really enjoy Feline Friday, because it has lead me to some pretty neat kitties in the land. Here are some great links...

Midnight poses for Julie, as his friend Abby gets his attention.

Theresa's kitties Angel & Eclipse play a game of Chess, which is pretty cool, because I'm terrible at that game.

Boo-Boo Kitty and Peanut share a box of beer. LOL. The beer does not belong to Pat by the way!

Phinney's cat Jinx, stuck her tongue out at her! How rude! LOL. but very, very cute all the same. :)

And Julie's kitty, Brooklyn, shows us the proper way to groom.

All fantastic kitties, so be sure to click on the links to see them do their thing!

If you have a kitty, and want to play along with this week's edition of Feline Friday, all you have to do is leave your comments in the thread for THIS entry. I will gather all of them up, and send them to Steven, for next week's Feline Friday edition.

-OndineMonet
"Melting Elvis"
Berkeley, California
June 16, 2006
Mid-Morning

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #116: Things We Share With Dad

""Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes."

Weekend Assignment #116: Tell about some personality trait or quirk you got from your father...or, if you're a father, some personality trait or quirk of yours you see in your kinds.

Extra Credit: Did you ever get dad a tie for Father's Day?

-John Scalzi

Well, where to begin. For most of my life, my relationship with my father was really strained. Dad had a lot of sadness, mostly about things that happened long before I was born, so he had a lot of demons to fight. He did that in his own way, and in fact, usually refused all help, but before he passed away in 1995, he and I made our peace...and it was complete. He and I had long talks about how much of our personality he and I shared. It was comforting to know that he and I could bring out the best in each other. Here is a list of what we shared...

1. Politics. He was a staunch democrat and a liberal, and he taught me about what that meant. The night Bobby Kennedy was killed, dad came home from work so sad, I was only a little one, but he and I talked about why he was so sad, and he explained it so a I could understand...and then we both felt better.

2. We both have a wicked sense of humor. He and I could speak in whole conversations with just a grin. We always knew what to say or do to make the other one laugh, and as sad and confused as dad would get...he never really lost his sense of humor. He knew the importance of a good, solid laugh.

3. Sugar. LOL. Dad had a sweet tooth that went straight to his soul...and so do I. :)

4. The arts. Dad and I both enjoyed museums, the ballet, and music of all kinds. He and I would often talk about art and the lives of artists. He was an avid reader and he shared his library with me as a child. It opened a lot of doors for me.

5. He encouraged me in photography. When I became clinically depressed back in the mid-eighties...he put a camera in my hand and told me to snap away. He knew it would help me come out of myself. He had a camera, and he loved going up to wine country and photographing the vineyards.

6. San Francisco. We both love that city...but I bet you already knew that.

I could go on, but you get the picture. I guess what he and I shared the most was political ideals, our sense of humor, and our love of all thing beautiful, from the arts to the city of San Francisco. :)

Extra Credit: I gave my dad a tie, the first Father's Day after I got married. It was the one he wore on my wedding day. He loved the tie, so I bought it as a surprise. After he died I put it in my cedar chest...where it still is today. :)

-OndineMonet
"From The Bay Bridge"
San Francisco, California
June 15, 2006
Mid-Morning

Tell Me, Do You Phoon?

"The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer."

It is my belief, and my experience, that fate comes around to visit me most often when I have my camera in my hand. While fate may not allow me to become a millionaire by picking the correct winning Lotto numbers, or to accidentally encounter David Duchovny coming out of my favorite deli, it has managed to put me in the right place to discover some amazing people, places and things, while out in the world with camera in hand, but it hasn't been exclusive to the real world, sometimes it has introduced me to some pretty great and amazing people and things here on the Internet as well. :)

Last Sunday, I was researching an upcoming trip I was planning this week to, Pacific Grove, California. There is a specific sculpture that sits in Lover's Point Park, that I have been interested in photographing for quite some time now. The sculpture is titled, "Boy With Sailboat." So, off to google I went, and a few web sites came up, but most were simply photos of the sculpture, but one certain web site actually had a small amount of information indicated in the link box, so that is the one I chose to go to. It indeed had some info about the sculpture, but that wasn't the focus of the site. See, fate had lead me to a different kind of art form. And what fine art it is. See, I had, by luck, just discovered the world of Phoons.

What's a Phoon you ask? Well, it is the craze that's been seen, and posed, around the world. The art of Phooning was created in 1980, when John Darrow, the main Phoon himself, decided to strike a fun pose for some family vacation photos. That was over 20 years ago, but while on a business trip in 1999, the muse struck John again, and he saw the opportunity to Phoon once again. From there...the Phoon was reborn. Phooning is not easily described in verb-o-rama...it has to be seen to be understood. It's fun, it's creative, and it is a genuine phenomenon that has gone international. If you care to, you can phoon as well. John accepts and posts submitted photos from the four corners of the earth, but there are some rules and requirements that must be followed before your phoon photo can be posted. Nothing scary or too detailed mind you, just a few guidelines to make the experience of phooning a lot more fun. You should drop by and see for yourself, what a cool web site I happened upon the other day.

John is a nice man. He is also very creative and helpful. In addition to his Phoon site he also has a pretty nifty blog, right here on Blogspot. I will leave the links below so you can pay him a visit, say hello neighbor, and enjoy all the hard work he has put into his site. Someday the word "Phoon" will be in the dictionary, I have no doubts about that at all. Next to the description it will say... "See fun." :) Thanks John, for making me smile. Don't you just love fate's little detours?

Phoons From Around The World

Personal Effects (John's Blog)

-OndineMonet
"An Alcove In Berkeley"
Berkeley, California
June 14, 2006
Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: Emotions

Click on the above image to see a larger version

"There can be no transforming of darkness, into light and of apathy into movement, without emotion."

-Carly Jung

This was a difficult challenge for me. I ran into some trouble choosing one particular emotion to try and capture with my camera. Oh I sure, I could have posted someone laughing, or maybe even capture one of those rare moments when Elvis cries...maybe even a moment when I was feeling sad. I had them this week. It wasn't that bad mind you, it's just that I find myself standing at a crossroad, about more then one thing, and at times it can be hard to handle. Still, I am ok, just maybe a little blue. I suppose blue really isn't an emotion. So, in an effort to try and step out of my own sadness this week, I decided to do something that would scare myself instead...LOL...I wrote a poem.

Now, as all of you know, poetry is not my greatest talent. So what. It is my belief that the only way to become good at something, is to practice it until either you do become good at it, or poetry police come and get you. LOL. I came up with this photo I took last autumn at the Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, and when I looked at it, I remembered how the eucalyptus tree seemed to be growing the monarchs. Each branch was filled with the most gorgeous splashes of color and flutter. I was having a really emotional time last fall, I was still trying my best to recover from something that happened to me late last summer. I spent most days avoiding things, because it all hurt too much. So, as I watched the butterflies, floating softly on the pacific coast breeze, somehow it made it all a little easier on my weary emotions. Looking at this photo other night, inspired the following poem. I hope you enjoy it, but feel free to be honest, if you think it's just awful, tell me...so someday I can do better. :)

As A Spirit Complete
By Carly Gordon

An ethereal life of moments
A child of waning light
Born a gossamer of autumn
Her dance is her delight

Sleeping through the darkness
Awakening in the light
A season of emotions
Escaping a lover's plight

Counting not the days nor the moments
She rises to greet the morn
Then carries her feelings of love alone
As the rose has it's thorn

She does not despair in the darkness
As her eyes close gently to sleep
The lifetime that she lived today
She lived as a spirit complete

Yikes...talk about going out on a limb! Thank you Chris, for choosing a very challenging subject for all of us to enjoy! If you would like to play along with the Round Robin Challenges, just pay a visit to the official Round Robin blog to find out all the details. And be sure to visit all the Round Robin participants to see some wonderful interpretations this subject. The Robin members always amaze me with their creativity. Just click on the links below, and see for yourself.

-OndineMonet
"The Monarch Tree"
Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Pacific Grove, California
Autumn, 2005
Afternoon

Round Robin Participants

Chris... My Photographic Life POSTED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin POSTED

Carly... Ellipsis... Suddenly Carly POSTED!

Amy... My Life And Pictures

T.J. ... Every Picture Tells A Story

Sara... Animated Seasons POSTED!

Julie... Julie's Web Journal POSTED!

Derek... Through Veal Eyes

Dorn... Through The Eyes Of The Beholder POSTED!

Steve... Paparrazi By Proxy POSTED!

Kat... Prima Luce

Terry... The Captain's File ***WELCOME NEW MEMBER***

Tammy... The Daily Warrior POSTED!

rRose... WAIT-NOTYET-/ POSTED!

Valorie... Retrospect USA POSTED!

Suzanne... Suzanne R's Life POSTED!

Deslily... Here, There and Everywhere POSTED!

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Bad Photos (That Are Kind Of Cool)

"A man's errors are his portals of discovery."

-James Joyce

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Find a picture in your files that is technically bad, but is still interesting to look at. By "technically bad," I mean things like people are partly out of frames, your subject is out of focus, everyone has red eye, people's heads are cut off, there are in appropiate blurs, so on and so forth. But even so, it's still an interesting picture to look at.

Remember: It's called the Monday Photo Shoot, but you can still post pictures for it through about noon on Thursday. That's a lot of time to find flawed photos.

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)


A couple weeks ago, as I was coming back into Berkeley, by way of hwy 13,when I saw this bit of graffiti art on the overpass where hwy 13 meets hwy 24. I only had a second or two to snap the photo, but thank goodness, as it just so happens, I have a camera growing out of the end of my right arm. LOL. That's what happens when your great passion in life is photography. LOL.

Don't fret gentle reader, I was once featured on a news segment on my local ABC news affiliate as a "model driver." So, even if something would have gone horribly wrong, like if my camera went to flight out of the window, while I was trying to balance it on my steering wheel, no worries...see...I have a cell phone growing out of the end of my left arm. ;) An amateur photographer must be prepared for everything. LOL.

A few days later when I drove by the same spot again, I saw that the sign had been removed, and replaced with a lovely shade of gray paint. The town of Berkeley is pretty good about keeping up with clearing graffiti. And that is a good thing, still I appreciated the little smile that the message had brought me that day. Simply... "Follow Your Dreams." You know me, I live for those simple moments of fate. You see, when you love taking photos as much as I do, you learn to recognize how wonderful those little moments of quiet serendipity can be. :)

I let it go, and didn't think anymore of it, until about a week later, when I was again at the same spot, at almost the same time of day, and again there was a message waiting for me...

How cool is that? Isn't that a great message? Like I said, it's those little moments that fate gives you, that sometimes mean the most. Even if they are a bit lopsided and a tad out of focus. ;)

-OndineMonet
"Follow Your Dreams"
"Seriously Follow Your Dreams"
Berkeley, California
13 at 24
June, 2006
10:30 AM

Charley's Friday Five

"A vacation is what you take, when you can no longer take what you've been taking."

-Earl Wilson

Last Friday marks the second week anniversary of the return of, one of my favorite memes, the Friday Five, which is hosted by Charley, author of the journal, "Courage." It is a lot of fun, and easy to play. All you do is answer the five questions he posts for each edition, and if you are the first to submit your answers, he will give your journal a hefty promotion the following week. You can write your answers as an entry on your journal or blog, or you can leave them in the comments of the Friday Five edition he is currently playing. If you would like to play along, you can find Charley and the Friday Five here. Don't forget to go back leave him a link. Now, on with the Friday Five...

1. What is (or would be) your dream vacation?

A. My favorite season of the year is autumn, so, it has always been a dream of mine to tour the New England states during that time of year.

2. What's one thing no vacation can do without?

A. Maps, maps, and more maps.

3. What has been the best trip of your life so far?

A. Alan and I love going down the central California coast to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. We love it there.

4. Who was with you on that trip, and what is the role of that person in your life?

A. Alan is my hubby...15 1/2 years and counting.

5. What's the worst thing that can happen.

A. I think the worst thing that can happen is having the car break down. There you are, trapped, ugg. I don't even want to think about it. :) So I won't! LOL :)

Thanks Charley, for bringing us the Friday Five each week, you know I am a fan!

-OndineMonet
"Berkeley In Autumn"
Berkeley, California
November 24, 2005
Late Afternoon

Name That Bird!

"Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel free to delight in whatever remains to them?"

-Rose Kennedy

With all the time I have been spending at home this year, I have decided to set up a tripod permanently in the garden to photograph the birds, and hopefully some butterflies this autumn. I bought two different bird feeders last week, one specifically for Hummingbirds, and one for miscellaneous wild birds. Yesterday (Sunday) was the best day for watching them so far, but because the weather has been so cold and windy, there weren't as many coming by as usual. Nice variety though. Lots of Hummingbirds, Blue Jays, California Song Birds, and of course, there were some Robins.

I need to stop by Barnes & Noble, on Shattuck avenue,this week and pick up a book on birds native to the area. I found the pretty little bird, in the photo below, down at the marina. I am not sure what it is...look familiar to anyone? If you have an idea of what it might be, leave me a comment. I will probably head back to the marina later in the week, hopefully there will be some clouds to provide a little natural shading, I had a problem with my photos being washed out last week. I have big plans later in the week, she said with fingers crossed, so I need to spend a few days at home to get ready for it. If I get the proper rest, my Fibromyalgia is a lot easier to manage. If all goes well, I will be able to make it down to Pacific Grove by the end of the week. :) There are some awesome photo ops along the 17 mile drive. So wish me luck!

Note: This is a Round Robin Challenge week. Be sure to drop by the official blog to find out all the details. Our challenge this time around will be, "Emotions."

-OndineMonet
"Rockin Robin"
Berkeley, California
June 11, 2006
Afternoon

Man Bites Dog...A Game Review

"Half The Game Is 90% mental."

-Yogi Berra

I have been spending a lot more time at home lately, I have found that when I want to go to a special event, that takes a lot of energy do, such when I drove to Santa Rosa to photograph the Woodstock sculptures, I need to prepare for that type of outing by resting up for a few days before the trip. Well, I can't just sleep all day, every day, so I usually relax in the yard with a book, or by taking pictures, with the camera set up on a tripod. But sometimes, what helps more then anything else, is when Alan and I play a really fun board game. A good one will force me to think, a really good one will make me laugh. An excellent one will do both. I find I sleep at my deepest, after a good solid laugh. The game I am about to tell you about was a great find that accomplished that for me.

The game is called, "Man Bites Dog," produced by University Games. I've always been impressed by their games, and this one is no exception. It's simple and fun to play. Here's what you do...

The object of the game is to come up with a structurally sound "Headline" like one would find on a newspaper or magazine publication.

The dealer, deals five cards to each player. Each card has a word, or sometimes two words, and a number value. Each player then looks at their hand, and decides whether or not they want to discard any of the cards dealt them. The player to the dealers left discards first, up to three of the five cards. The play continues around until each player has had a chance to either discard or accept their hand as is. After everyone is done, the dealer lays down his/her best headline from the cards. As an example...

Acceptable: Man Bites Dog

Unacceptable: Refrigerator Marries Mob Boss

If you can't make a sentence, then your score becomes zero. The score is determined by the numbers found on each card. It is nearly impossible to not make some kind of headline, very rarely did we have cards left over in our hands at the end of the rounds. I purchased the travel edition, which contains just the cards. I understand their is a larger version, but this one works fine for playing a short, fun game in the back yard. It is rated for ages 8 an up, which seems about right. If you enjoy cute, lighthearted games, which are very low on the fuss factor, I highly recommend this one. I give 4 out of 5 popcorn kernels. :)

And by the way, you might notice that the latest poll on my sidebar is all about games. Do you have a favorite board game? Even if you haven't played in years, I would like to hear about your personal favorite family game, or even your favorite game to play at parties, such as Madlibs or maybe Charades. If it isn't listed on the poll, feel free to tell me about it in the comments. I will reveal the results of the poll at the end of the month on my new poll results blog, which can be found here. I set it up to make it easier to keep track of past polls and results. The current one listed on the new blog, is the last one I had on my sidebar, about the great mysteries. Hop on over if you would like to see the final result of that poll.

-OndineMonet
"Man Bites Dog
Berkeley, California
June 8, 2006
Afternoon

The Google Game: Me v. She

"I took a breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am, I am, I am."

-Sylvia Plath

While visiting at my friend Suzanne's blog this week, "Suzanne R's Life," I found this little meme/game. You know much I enjoy a good meme/game so I thought I would give it a whirl. Here's what you do. Hop on over to Google search, put in your name, followed by the word, "needs." Then, take the first ten sentences that make sense, and write them in your journal/blog. LOL. It was so much fun, it had me laughing in no time. Here's mine...

1. Carly needs to go on vacation.
(This was a reference to carly Fiorina, formerly of Hewlett Packard)

2. Carly needs to be institutionalized. Ric tells Sonny. (In reference to Carly Corinthos, a character on General Hospital.)

3. Carly needs professional help. (Carly Corinthos)

4. Carly needs to be locked up and the key thrown away! (Carly Corinthos)

5. Carly needs someone to turn to when she has problems, and Jack is just the person to help her because deep down, in his heart, he still loves her. (Who the heck is Jack?) LOL.

6. Carly needs to be on her own for a while. (Finally, a Carly from a different soap opera, As The World Turns)

7. Carly needs to meet someone special. (An ad from the San Francisco classifieds)

8. Carly needs to stop screwing up her life. (Carly Corinthos)

9. Carly belongs with Sonny. (I don't know, she's good with Jax also) LOL.

10. Carly needs to be in Port Charles. (Carly Corinthos) LOL.

Well, it seems my first name is most often related to one soap character or another, lol, I suppose I should be glad that it isn't most often linked back to folks who think I am the worst person on the Internet. LOL. Or someone who thinks I am an awful writer or photographer. LOL. And while my life has been a bit of a daytime drama in the past, things at the moment are blissfully normal. :) Now Carly Corinthos on the other hand has married to two different Mob bosses, switched the DNA on not just one, but two paternity results, seduced her stepfather, faked her own death, and was once kidnapped by not just one ,but two of Port Charles's bad guys...and lived to tell the tale with perfect hair! LOL. She's a blond, I'm a brunette, she is tall, I am short, she went nuts...and so did I. Hey, maybe life is a lot closer to fiction then we think. LOL. Tune into General Hospital, Monday thru Friday on ABC. :)

-OndineMonet
"Me v She"

Note: If you decide to play along, be sure to come back here and leave me a link to your entry! :) Be sure to go and read Suzanne's entry, which can be found here.

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #115: Make Your Own Highway Sign

"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religious, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."

-Dave Barry "Things That It Took Me 50 Years To Learn"

Weekend Assignment #115: You'll find an online highway sign generator here, Go there, write your own highway sign, and post it on your journal or Blog.

Extra Credit: What was the worst traffic jam you've ever been in?

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)


O00ppppps! There goes my wacky sense of humor again! Still, isn't it one of the great questions of the ages? Tee Hee ;)

-OndineMonet

Art About Town: Berkeley, California

"Art is much less important then life, but what a poor life without it."

-Jasper Johns

In May of 1984, a colorful and whimsical sculpture was dedicated to the town of Berkeley, by local artist, Joe Slusky. The artist titled the piece, "Calliope," and was commissioned by the City Of Berkeley's Department of Parks and Design. The sculpture was placed for display permanently at the Berkeley Marina, where it has weathered storms, sun, and the natural aging process. Over time however, the salt air had dulled her bright pastel colors, and her paint began to chip, but fast forward in time to 2004, that's when the Berkeley Public Art Maintenance Project, lovingly restored the time beaten Calliope to her original, joyful self. And what a lovely, inspiring sculpture she is.

Calliope is an 11 foot steel sculpture that took Slusky over two years to complete. Local art critics from around the Bay Area hailed the piece as eccentric, whimsical, and playful. The artist describes Calliope as "a fossilization of the imagination." I have to say, as I sat admiring her today, I simply couldn't get enough of her color and seemingly endless twists and turns. So many thoughts went through my mind as I gazed upon her.

Yellow, aqua blue, lavender, red and green, and all the emotions they evoke. I think the most important impression that I got from her, might have been how enthusiastic she was, and how positive she made me feel. Looking at her was like looking at a lovely cloud formation and seeing all the wonderful possibilities that life holds. Musical notes, arms outstretched with love, puzzlement, amusement, and just sheer joy. Calliope is a dazzling sculpture of fanciful energy, that is the perfect contrast to the quiescent nautical blues and whites of the marina.

Artist Joe Slusky's art is widely acclaimed and is displayed throughout California. He has taught art for many years in the Bay Area, and is now a lecturer in the Architecture department at the University of California, Berkeley.

-OndineMonet
"Calliope"
Berkeley Marina
Berkeley, California
June 7, 2005
Afternoon

6+6+06...Heed The Omen

"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don't vote."

-George Nathan

I bet when you saw the title of this entry you thought I was going to write about the remake of the 1976, Richard Donner horror classic, "The Omen." Well, no, I was actually talking about the California primary. I went yesterday afternoon, (Tuesday) to my polling place, which looked more like a ghost town, then a place to make my social voice heard. And it had been that way all day. According to a recent Field poll, only one-in-four Californians or about 5 million, were planning to go to the polls, which makes it the worst turn-out since 1946.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, the campaign between the two top democrats seeking to challenge Gov. Schwarzenegger, Steve Westly and Phil Angelides, became more then a little heated. Lots of mud to be slung any way you looked at it, which apparently turned a lot of folks off to the whole prospect of taking time out of their day to vote. As disgusted as I felt myself getting over the dirty politics, it only strengthened my intentions to make it to the polls today. I saw one or two "Man on the Street" interviews throughout the day, and here is a small sampling of what folks told the reporters who asked them if they would be voting today...

"All the mud slinging put me off."

"The issues don't really affect me."

"I was put off to the political process back in 2004."

"I didn't have time."

"I don't care who runs against Schwarzenegger, I will figure it all out in November."

Sigh. I hear over and over about how we have our young women and men in Iraq to fight for our freedom, and democracy, yet only 5 million Californians could be bothered to get out and vote? Yes, the primary decided state issues, such as senatorial candidates, and propositions, but it all matters or none of it does. It doesn't matter what party you are affiliated with, we shouldn't be picking and choosing what freedoms we embrace. If we do, we risk losing all freedom. We already have less privacy then ever before, so I guess we all need to decide what we are willing to give up next, due to complacency and indifference. I will admit, it felt strange to cast my vote on 6-6-06, but on the other hand, I think given the projected low voter turn out, I am glad I decided to "Heed The Omen."

-OndineMonet
"Alameda County"
Berkeley, California
June 6, 2006
Afternoon

Update: Phil Angelides has been declared the winner in the primary, so tell me, will Arnold Schwarzenegger be re-elected in November or will Phil Angelides be voted in as the next governor of California? Tell me what you think.